Factur-X E-Invoice Standard
AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation) · Version 1.0.05 (2022)
Factur-X is France's national e-invoice format, combining a human-readable PDF/A-3 with a machine-readable XML file embedded inside it. It is one of the most widely adopted hybrid formats in Europe, balancing legal compliance with practical usability. Factur-X and ZUGFeRD share the same hybrid PDF/XML concept and the same EN 16931-based XML profile — they are essentially the same format family with different market names.
Factur-X was developed by the French administration and AFNOR to address the need for both human-readable invoices (for manual review) and machine-readable invoices (for automated processing). The format embeds an EN 16931-compliant XML inside a PDF/A-3 file, making it immediately usable by both humans and systems. It is mandatory for all B2B and B2G invoices in France under the phased rollout beginning 1 September 2026, with strict requirements on the embedded XML structure. Factur-X is part of the same hybrid invoice family as ZUGFeRD — both formats use the same EN 16931 XML profile and are maintained by the same international working group.
Grounded in official sources listed below. Not a substitute for legal or tax advice.
Quick Answers
- 01 What is Factur-X?
- Factur-X is a PDF/A-3 file with an XML file embedded inside it. The PDF is human-readable; the XML is machine-readable. Both are in the same file.
- 02 Is Factur-X the same as ZUGFeRD?
- Factur-X and ZUGFeRD are both PDF/A-3 with embedded EN 16931 XML. They share the same hybrid invoice concept and are from the same international working group. They differ mainly in naming and market focus.
- 03 Why does Factur-X matter for France e-invoicing?
- Factur-X is one of the two mandatory formats for e-invoicing in France under the B2B mandate rollout beginning September 2026. Businesses issuing to French entities will need to generate Factur-X or UBL 2.1 invoices.
- 04 Can Factur-X be sent via Peppol?
- Not natively. Peppol transmits XML documents. Some Peppol access point providers offer Factur-X conversion or transmission services.
Key Data Fields
The following data elements are central to the Factur-X specification. Mandatory fields are required for compliance; optional fields add detail.
PDF Component
Visual Human-readable invoice layout — Standard invoice appearance — no special restrictions Yes XML Component (EN 16931 profile)
BT-1 Invoice number Yes BT-2 Issue date Yes BT-27 Seller name + VAT Yes BT-44 Buyer name + VAT Yes BT-151 Item name Yes BT-152 Item description No Validation Requirements
Invoices using this standard must pass the following validation checks before transmission. Rejections typically occur due to missing mandatory fields or incorrect data types.
- PDF must be valid PDF/A-3 format — regular PDFs are not compliant
- XML must be embedded in PDF as an attached file (not visible in the visual PDF content)
- XML must conform to EN 16931
- Factur-X specific profile rules apply (e.g., certain BT fields have specific French extensions)
Key Advantages
- Human-readable (PDF) + machine-readable (XML) in one file
- Based on EN 16931 — EU-compliant semantic model
- No special software needed to view the invoice
- Mandatory for France B2B under the 2026-2027 mandate rollout
Implementation Considerations
- Requires PDF/A-3 generation capability
- Peppol does not natively support PDF formats
- PDF generation adds complexity to ERP integration
- Not accepted in countries that mandate pure XML formats
Official Sources
All information on this page is based on the sources listed below. Always verify current requirements with the issuing authorities.
- Factur-X — Official Specification Standard Body
Official Factur-X specification; mandate basis for France B2B and B2G
- Factur-X Documentation (Community) Industry Reference
Community-maintained implementation guide and examples